On Writing the Dark Stuff

There's a good discussion going on over at the NaNoWriMo boards about the apprehension some writers feel when writing dark or morbid scenes. To elaborate what I wrote in my comment, I'm not afraid to write things that are dark, morbid, or just plain wrong. I find it empowering. If I'm being completely honest, there's also something erotic about writing the things we're not supposed to even think, let alone commit to paper. I think for women especially it's important not to be afraid to take that risk, not just because historically women are supposed to be the world's caretakers, but in the current climate of offense and over-correction, it's easy to get caught up in making sure no one's feelings are hurt.